Bifurcated sliding seal

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates generally to a sliding seal between two components. The sliding seal includes a first seal section and an uncoupled second seal section which allows the first and second seal sections to move relative to one another during relative movement between the two components. One or more spring tabs extend from the first seal section and/or the second seal section, are disposed between the first and second seal sections, and bias the first and second seal sections away from one another.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and incorporates by reference herein the disclosure of U.S. Ser. No. 62/068,513, filed Oct. 24, 2014.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to seals and, more specifically, to a sliding seal.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Seals are used in many applications to prevent or limit the flow of a gas or liquid from one side of the seal to another side of the seal. For example, seals are used in many areas within a gas turbine engine to seal the gas path of the engine. The performance of gas path seals affects engine component efficiency. For example, the loss of secondary flow into the gas path of a turbine engine has a negative effect on engine fuel burn, performance/efficiency, and component life. A metal w-seal or a non-metallic rope seal are typical seals used to seal or limit secondary flow between segmented or full-hoop turbine components. However, exposure to significant relative deflections between adjacent components and/or elevated temperatures can preclude the use of these types of seals or cause them to fail prematurely. If subjected to significant deflections, a w-seal will deform and become ineffective. Using a higher strength material improves deflection capability somewhat, but generally at the expense of limiting temperature capability. Wear resistance can be a problem as well in an environment of significant relative motion. A rope seal typically has high temperature capability but has even less flexibility.

Improvements in seal design are therefore needed in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, a seal for sealing a space defined by first and second adjacent components disposed about an axial centerline is disclosed, the seal comprising: a first seal section; and a second seal section; wherein the first and second seal sections are configured to sealingly engage with the first and second components; one or more spring tabs extending from the first seal section and/or the second seal section, disposed between the first and second seal sections and operative to bias the first seal section and the second seal section away from one another; and wherein the first and second seal sections are configured to move relative to one another.

In a further embodiment of the above, the first seal section includes a first base and a first leg extending from the first base; and the second seal section includes a second base and a second leg extending from the second base.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first seal section and the second seal section are substantially L-shaped in cross-section.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first base and the second base are oriented substantially axially; and the first leg and the second leg are oriented substantially radially.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first base is supported by the second base.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the seal is formed from a material selected from one of a high-temperature metal alloy, a high-temperature ceramic fiber material, and a high-temperature ceramic fiber composite, or a combination of two or more of a high-temperature metal alloy, a high-temperature ceramic fiber material and a high-temperature ceramic fiber composite.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, a coating is applied to at least a portion of each of the first and second seal sections.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, further comprising a sheath covering at least a portion of each of the first and second seal sections.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first and second seal sections are substantially annular.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first and second seal sections respectively define first and second gaps at respective opposed ends thereof.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, a bridging seal is disposed adjacent the first and second seal sections and at least partially covering the first and second gaps.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first seal section comprises a first substantially rounded end in contact with the first component along a first single circumferential line of contact; and the second seal section comprises a second substantially rounded end in contact with the second component along a second single circumferential line of contact.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first seal section comprises a third substantially rounded end in contact with the second seal section along a third single circumferential line of contact; and the second seal section comprises a fourth substantially rounded end in contact with the second component along a fourth single circumferential line of contact.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the one or more spring tabs bias the first seal section and the second seal section away from one another in an axial direction.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, further comprising a clip holding one of the one or more spring tabs in abutting relationship with the second seal section.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the clip comprises a material that vaporizes at a normal operating temperature of the first and second components.

In another embodiment, a system is disclosed, comprising: a first component including a first surface; a second component including a second surface, the second component disposed adjacent the first component and defining a seal cavity therebetween; wherein the first and second components are disposed about an axial centerline; and a seal disposed in the seal cavity, the seal including a first seal section; and a second seal section; wherein the first and second seal sections are configured to sealingly engage with the first and second components; one or more spring tabs extending from the first seal section and/or the second seal section, disposed between the first and second seal sections and operative to bias the first seal section and the second seal section away from one another; wherein pressure within the seal cavity urges the seal to seat against the first surface and the second surface; and wherein relative movement of the first component and the second component toward or away from one another causes the first and second seal sections to slide relative to one another.

In a further embodiment of the above, the first seal section includes a first base and a first leg extending from the first base; and the second seal section includes a second base and a second leg extending from the second base.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first seal section comprises a first substantially rounded end in contact with the first component along a first single circumferential line of contact; and the second seal section comprises a second substantially rounded end in contact with the second component along a second single circumferential line of contact; the first seal section comprises a third substantially rounded end in contact with the second seal section along a third single circumferential line of contact; and the second seal section comprises a fourth substantially rounded end in contact with the second component along a fourth single circumferential line of contact.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the one or more spring tabs bias the first seal section and the second seal section away from one another in an axial direction.

Other embodiments are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas turbine engine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seal and seal cavity in an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seal and seal cavity in an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seal and seal cavity in an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seal and seal cavity in an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seal and a vaporizing assembly clip in an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to certain embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, and alterations and modifications in the illustrated device, and further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are herein contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a gas turbine engine 20. The gas turbine engine 20 is disclosed herein as a two-spool turbofan that generally incorporates a fan section 22, a compressor section 24, a combustor section 26 and a turbine section 28. Alternative engines might include an augmentor section (not shown) among other systems or features. The fan section 22 drives air along a bypass flow path B in a bypass duct, while the compressor section 24 drives air along a core flow path C for compression and communication into the combustor section 26 then expansion through the turbine section 28. Although depicted as a two-spool turbofan gas turbine engine in the disclosed non-limiting embodiment, it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not limited to use with two-spool turbofans as the teachings may be applied to other types of turbine engines including three-spool architectures.

The exemplary engine 20 generally includes a low speed spool 30 and a high speed spool 32 mounted for rotation about an engine central longitudinal axis A relative to an engine static structure 36 via several bearing systems 38. It should be understood that various bearing systems 38 at various locations may alternatively or additionally be provided, and the location of bearing systems 38 may be varied as appropriate to the application.

The low speed spool 30 generally includes an inner shaft 40 that interconnects a fan 42, a low pressure compressor 44 and a low pressure turbine 46. The inner shaft 40 is connected to the fan 42 through a speed change mechanism, which in exemplary gas turbine engine 20 is illustrated as a geared architecture 48 to drive the fan 42 at a lower speed than the low speed spool 30. The high speed spool 32 includes an outer shaft 50 that interconnects a high pressure compressor 52 and high pressure turbine 54. A combustor 56 is arranged in exemplary gas turbine 20 between the high pressure compressor 52 and the high pressure turbine 54. An engine static structure 36 is arranged generally between the high pressure turbine 54 and the low pressure turbine 46. The engine static structure 36 further supports bearing systems 38 in the turbine section 28. The inner shaft 40 and the outer shaft 50 are concentric and rotate via bearing systems 38 about the engine central longitudinal axis A which is collinear with their longitudinal axes.

The core airflow is compressed by the low pressure compressor 44 then the high pressure compressor 52, mixed and burned with fuel in the combustor 56, then expanded over the high pressure turbine 54 and low pressure turbine 46. The turbines 46, 54 rotationally drive the respective low speed spool 30 and high speed spool 32 in response to the expansion. It will be appreciated that each of the positions of the fan section 22, compressor section 24, combustor section 26, turbine section 28, and fan drive gear system 48 may be varied. For example, gear system 48 may be located aft of combustor section 26 or even aft of turbine section 28, and fan section 22 may be positioned forward or aft of the location of gear system 48.

The engine 20 in one example is a high-bypass geared aircraft engine. In a further example, the engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about six (6), with an example embodiment being greater than about ten (10), the geared architecture 48 is an epicyclic gear train, such as a planetary gear system or other gear system, with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2.3 and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five. In one disclosed embodiment, the engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about ten (10:1), the fan diameter is significantly larger than that of the low pressure compressor 44, and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five 5:1. Low pressure turbine 46 pressure ratio is pressure measured prior to inlet of low pressure turbine 46 as related to the pressure at the outlet of the low pressure turbine 46 prior to an exhaust nozzle. The geared architecture 48 may be an epicycle gear train, such as a planetary gear system or other gear system, with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2.3:1. It should be understood, however, that the above parameters are only exemplary of one embodiment of a geared architecture engine and that the present invention is applicable to other gas turbine engines including direct drive turbofans.

A significant amount of thrust is provided by the bypass flow B due to the high bypass ratio. The fan section 22 of the engine 20 is designed for a particular flight condition—typically cruise at about 0.8 Mach and about 35,000 feet (10,688 meters). The flight condition of 0.8 Mach and 35,000 ft (10,688 meters), with the engine at its best fuel consumption—also known as “bucket cruise Thrust Specific Fuel Consumption (‘TSFC’)”—is the industry standard parameter of lbm of fuel being burned divided by lbf of thrust the engine produces at that minimum point. “Low fan pressure ratio” is the pressure ratio across the fan blade alone, without a Fan Exit Guide Vane (“FEGV”) system. The low fan pressure ratio as disclosed herein according to one non-limiting embodiment is less than about 1.45. “Low corrected fan tip speed” is the actual fan tip speed in ft/sec divided by an industry standard temperature correction of [(Tram °R)/(518.7 °R)]^(0.5). The “Low corrected fan tip speed” as disclosed herein according to one non-limiting embodiment is less than about 1150 ft/second (350.5 m/sec).

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a seal cavity 100 formed by two axially-adjacent segmented or full-hoop turbine components 102 and 104 which may move axially, radially, and circumferentially relative to one another about an axial centerline of the turbine engine. It will be appreciated that although turbine components are used to demonstrate the positioning and functioning of the seals disclosed herein, this is done by way of illustration only and the seals disclosed herein may be used in other applications. A nominal design clearance 106 exists between the components 102 and 104. Within the seal cavity 100 lies a w-seal 108 formed from a material appropriate to the anticipated operating conditions (e.g., deflection, temperature change, pressure, etc.) of the w-seal 108, such a nickel-base alloy to name just one non-limiting example.

The design and material used in the construction of the w-seal 108 causes it to be deflected both forward and aft within the cavity 100, thereby causing it to seat against the components 102 and 104, even when the components 102 and 104 move relative to each other causing the clearance 106 to change. However, if subjected to significant deflections and/or temperature, a w-seal 108 may deform, causing it to become ineffective and potentially liberate.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a seal cavity 200 formed by two axially-adjacent segmented or full hoop turbine components 202 and 204 which may move axially, radially, and circumferentially relative to one another about an axial centerline of the turbine engine. A nominal design clearance 206 exists between the components 202 and 204. Component 202 includes a surface 208 facing the seal cavity 200 and component 204 includes surfaces 210 and 211 facing the seal cavity 200. Within the seal cavity 200 lies a seal 212 formed from a material appropriate to the anticipated operating conditions of the seal 212, such as a high-temperature metal alloy, a high temperature ceramic material, a high temperature ceramic composite, or a combination of two or more of these, to name just a few non-limiting examples. The seal 212 is formed from a first seal section 214 and a second seal section 216. The first seal section 214 is generally L-shaped in cross-section and includes a base 218 and a leg 220. The second seal section 216 is also generally L-shaped in cross-section and includes a base 222 and a leg 224. The bases 218, 222 are oriented substantially axially, while the legs 220, 224 are oriented substantially radially. The base 218 is supported by the base 222 in an embodiment, while in another embodiment the base 222 is supported by the base 218. The seal 212 may include a coating and/or a sheath to provide increased wear resistance.

The seal section 214 includes a forward substantially rounded end 226 in contact with the surface 210 such that the seal section 214 contacts the surface 210 along a single circumferential line of contact. As used herein, the phrase “circumferential line of contact” is intended to encompass lines that form a complete circle but which may have a gap formed therein, and includes lines with a nominal radial or axial thickness. The seal section 214 also includes an aft substantially rounded end 228 in contact with the seal section 216 (or the surface 211 in some embodiments) such that the seal section 214 contacts the seal section 216 (or the surface 211 in some embodiments) along a single circumferential line of contact. The seal section 216 includes an aft substantially rounded end 230 in contact with the surface 208 such that the seal section 216 contacts the surface 208 along a single circumferential line of contact. The seal section 216 also includes forward substantially rounded end 232 in contact with the surface 211 (or the seal section 214 in some embodiments) such that the seal section 216 contacts the surface 211 (or the seal section 214 in some embodiments) along a single circumferential line of contact.

In an embodiment, one or both of the seal sections 214, 216 include a plurality of spring tabs 234 spaced around their radially outer circumference. The spring tabs 234 may be integrally formed with one or both of the seal sections 214, 216, or they may be discrete pieces attached thereto. The spring tabs 234 bias the seal sections 214, 216 axially away from one another, causing the seal section 214 to seat against the surface 210 of the component 204 and the seal section 216 to seat against the surface 208 of the component 202 when the cavity 200 is not pressurized. This mitigates risk of damage to the seal 212 in transportation and ensures that the seal 212 is instantly and positively pressurized/pressure-energized at engine start-up.

Pressure in a secondary flow cavity 238 is transmitted to the seal cavity 200 through an opening defined by the components 202, 204. This pressure acts upon the surfaces of the seal sections 214, 216, thereby causing the leg 220 to seat against the surface 210 of the component 204, the leg 224 to seat against the surface 208 of the component 202, and the base 218 to seat against the base 222. The load applied by base 218 to base 222 helps base 222 to seat against the surface 211, thereby providing a secondary seal against flow that may leak past the leg 214/surface 210 interface, such as during engine start-up, for example. This prevents most or all of the secondary flow cavity 238 gases from reaching the design clearance 206 area and flow path. As the two components 202 and 204 move relative to each other in the axial and/or radial direction, the seal sections 214, 216 are free to slide relative to one another in the axial direction (against the spring force of the spring tabs 234 when axially compressed) and circumferential direction, while the pressure forces acting upon the surfaces of the seal sections 214, 216 load the seal 212 so that it remains in contact with both components 202 and 204 as shown. Therefore, sealing is maintained while the components 202 and 204 and the components of the seal 212 move relative to one another. Because the seal sections 214, 216 slide with respect to one another and with respect to the components 202, 204, the seal 212 is not substantially deflected by the relative movement between the components 202 and 204 other than at the spring tabs 234.

Furthermore, the spring tabs 234 push the seal sections 214 to remain in contact with the forward wall 210, and also push the seal section 216 to remain in contact with the aft wall 208 when the cavity 200 is not pressurized. This prevents the seal 212 from being damaged during transportation and installation, and also ensures that the seal 212 is instantly and positively pressurized/pressure-energized at engine start-up. In operation, the pressure loading on both seal sections 214, 216 is significant, because the contact points 226, 230 are well outboard, ensuring good sealing at the contact points 226, 230. The seal section 214 is split at one circumferential location to enable pressure to load the seal section 214 radially inward against the seal section 216. Splitting the seal section 216 also creates an additional sealing surface at the bottom of the seal cavity 200, as well as allowing the seal 212 to be packaged within a smaller radial design space. Leakage can be reduced significantly at the split location of each seal section 214, 216 by off-setting one split relative to the other, and further reduced by adding a sliding bridge to the cover the gap in the radially outer seal section 214.

Another embodiment of the seal 212 is illustrated in FIG. 4 and designated as 212 a. The seal section 214 a does not comprise a base and leg as in the embodiment of FIG. 3. Notwithstanding this, the seal section 214 a seats against the surface 210 of the component 204 at rounded end 226 a, and against the base 222 of the seal section 216 a at rounded end 228 a. The seal section 214 a includes a plurality of spring tabs 234 a spaced around their radially outer circumference. The spring tabs 234 a may be integrally formed with the seal section 214 a or they may be discrete pieces attached thereto. The spring tabs 234 a contact the radially outer end 235 of the seal section 216 a. The spring tabs 234 a bias the seal sections 214 a, 216 a axially away from one another, causing the seal section 214 a to seat against the surface 210 of the component 204 and the seal section 216 a to seat against the surface 208 of the component 202 when the cavity 200 is not pressurized. This mitigates risk of damage to the seal 212 a in transportation and ensures that the seal 212 is instantly and positively pressurized/pressure-energized at engine start-up.

The seal sections 214 a, 216 a may be temporarily held together during transport and assembly by use of a clip system shown in an embodiment in FIGS. 5-6. A first clip 240 is positioned axially forward of, and adjacent to, a spring tab 234 a. The first clip 240 includes a first clip tab 242 that extends axially aft of the radially outer end 235 of the seal section 216 a and wraps therearound, thereby maintaining the spring tab 234 a and the radially outer end 235 of the seal section 216 a in abutting relationship. The first clip 240 includes two radially inner legs 244 in abutting relationship with the spring tab 234 a in an embodiment. A second clip 246 may then be installed with a portion of the second clip 246 abutting the forward surface of the radially inner legs 244 of the first clip 240, as well as abutting the aft surface of the spring tab 234 a, thereby functioning to hold the first clip 240 in place. When both the first clip 240 and the second clip 246 are installed, the seal 212 a comprises a discrete assembly that may be handled and installed as a single piece. The first clip 240 and the second clip 246 may be formed from a polymer such as polyethylene that will vaporize at the normal operating temperature of the engine, to name one non-limiting example.

Compared to the seal 108, the seal 212/212 a exhibits increased resilience due to sliding of the seal components rather than flexing, and improved durability since the seal 212/212 a is tolerant of additional axial deflection compared to the seal 108. The seal sections 214, 216 are not deflected (other than the spring tabs 234) as the components 202 and 204 move relative to each other during engine assembly and engine operation, which is beneficial because the seal sections 214, 216 can be made from a lower strength and/or thicker sheet material that may be lower cost, have higher temperature capability, be more manufacturable, and/or more wear-resistant. Additionally, the seal 212/212 a is less susceptible to distortion or breakage, which can cause leakage of gas past the seal 212/212 a and/or liberation of the seal. Finally, the seal 212/212 a exhibits improved vibration tolerance due to friction damping.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

What is claimed:
 1. A seal for sealing a space defined by first and second adjacent components disposed about an axial centerline, the seal comprising: a first seal section; and a second seal section; wherein the first and second seal sections are configured to sealingly engage with the first and second components; one or more spring tabs extending from the first seal section and/or the second seal section, disposed between the first and second seal sections and operative to bias the first seal section and the second seal section away from one another; and wherein the first and second seal sections are configured to move relative to one another.
 2. The seal of claim 1, wherein: the first seal section includes a first base and a first leg extending from the first base; and the second seal section includes a second base and a second leg extending from the second base.
 3. The seal of claim 2, wherein the first seal section and the second seal section are substantially L-shaped in cross-section.
 4. The seal of claim 2, wherein: the first base and the second base are oriented substantially axially; and the first leg and the second leg are oriented substantially radially.
 5. The seal of claim 2, wherein the first base is supported by the second base.
 6. The seal of claim 1, wherein the seal is formed from a material selected from one of a high-temperature metal alloy, a high-temperature ceramic fiber material, and a high-temperature ceramic fiber composite, or a combination of two or more of a high-temperature metal alloy, a high-temperature ceramic fiber material and a high-temperature ceramic fiber composite.
 7. The seal of claim 1, further comprising: a coating applied to at least a portion of each of the first and second seal sections.
 8. The seal of claim 1, further comprising: a sheath covering at least a portion of each of the first and second seal sections.
 9. The seal of claim 1, wherein: the first and second seal sections are substantially annular.
 10. The seal of claim 9, wherein the first and second seal sections respectively define first and second gaps at respective opposed ends thereof.
 11. The seal of claim 10, further comprising a bridging seal disposed adjacent the first and second seal sections and at least partially covering the first and second gaps.
 12. The seal of claim 1, wherein: the first seal section comprises a first substantially rounded end in contact with the first component along a first single circumferential line of contact; and the second seal section comprises a second substantially rounded end in contact with the second component along a second single circumferential line of contact.
 13. The seal of claim 12, wherein: the first seal section comprises a third substantially rounded end in contact with the second seal section along a third single circumferential line of contact; and the second seal section comprises a fourth substantially rounded end in contact with the second component along a fourth single circumferential line of contact.
 14. The seal of claim 1, wherein the one or more spring tabs bias the first seal section and the second seal section away from one another in an axial direction.
 15. The seal of claim 1, further comprising a clip holding one of the one or more spring tabs in abutting relationship with the second seal section.
 16. The seal of claim 15, wherein the clip comprises a material that vaporizes at a normal operating temperature of the first and second components.
 17. A system, comprising: a first component including a first surface; a second component including a second surface, the second component disposed adjacent the first component and defining a seal cavity therebetween; wherein the first and second components are disposed about an axial centerline; and a seal disposed in the seal cavity, the seal including: a first seal section; and a second seal section; wherein the first and second seal sections are configured to sealingly engage with the first and second components; one or more spring tabs extending from the first seal section and/or the second seal section, disposed between the first and second seal sections and operative to bias the first seal section and the second seal section away from one another; wherein pressure within the seal cavity urges the seal to seat against the first surface and the second surface; and wherein relative movement of the first component and the second component toward or away from one another causes the first and second seal sections to slide relative to one another.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein: the first seal section includes a first base and a first leg extending from the first base; and the second seal section includes a second base and a second leg extending from the second base.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein: the first seal section comprises a first substantially rounded end in contact with the first component along a first single circumferential line of contact; and the second seal section comprises a second substantially rounded end in contact with the second component along a second single circumferential line of contact; the first seal section comprises a third substantially rounded end in contact with the second seal section along a third single circumferential line of contact; and the second seal section comprises a fourth substantially rounded end in contact with the second component along a fourth single circumferential line of contact.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more spring tabs bias the first seal section and the second seal section away from one another in an axial direction. 